The HSR study relies on fast trains not having to cover their costs.
Airlines
aviation industry 
Crikey aviation reporter Ben Sandilands reflects on a half century in journalism
When Ben Sandilands became a reporter in 1960, great ocean liners still sailed regularly to Europe and North America. Half a century later Sandliands is still filing copy, and is one of Australia’s leading aviation journalists. These are his reflections.
What does it take to make high speed rail a reality?
Constructing an Australian high speed rail network has been floated for over a quarter of a century but every time the idea surfaces it gets muddied by the same issues — particularly airline opposition and geological and environmental concerns, writes John Thompson.
Dark horizons for flight attendants
Having to bear the brunt of angry customers grousing about increasing costs, fewer staff and inevitable flight delays, being an airline attendant in America has become a tough trade - a far cry from the high-flying career once considered glamorous.
The ash clears to reveal sky high prices
In the wake of the volcano travel freeze, airlines are charging rip-off economy-class fares to London. But could the backlash ultimately lead to a discounting frenzy?
Move over Virgin: other airlines with a sense of humour
Low cost air travel doesn’t have to be just a squishy and boring affair. South African budget carrier Kulula Air paints their planes humorously, allows checked bows and arrows and flies golf bags for free, explains Ben Sandilands.
Crikey Clarifier: Crikey clarifier: what is wrong with out airlines?
The sense of dread in the airports and lounges is oppressive. Seats and services are getting meaner and tighter. So why are these airlines treating us like dirt? And how are they allowed to get away with it? asks Ben Sandilands.
The airbus beast emerges French style
The real beast within the giant Airbus A380 airliner emerged overnight with plans for an obscure French colonial carrier to buy two of them, writes Ben Sandilands.
NY plane crash: Don’t study the safety card
There is something about single aisle jets like the one that splashed down on New York’s Hudson River today that you are never told in safety briefings, writes Ben Sandilands.
The Qantas versus Dubai contest is the one to watch
Qantas spends most of $35 billion on future jets in two years and Emirates spends $39 billion in two days. Where will it all end? Ben Sandilands reports.
Qantas pilots file complaint on duty hours ‘rort’
Qantas pilots have sought an urgent definition on safety grounds of flight duty hours in an overnight filing with the Civil Aviation Safety Authority’s Industry Complaints Commissioner, Michael Hart.
